Monday, January 31, 2011

I was downtown Friday and had some time to wander over to one of my favorite spots for shopping: Hanna Antiques on 7th Avenue South. We found a lot of great things there when we were furnishing our 1920s houses, and we even had a booth there for a while. But mid-century was never their strong suit. I thought I'd take a shot and see what I could find.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

I trust everyone had a felicitous holiday season and a rockin' new year. So while you're dragging yourselves back to work or school or wherever it is you have to go when you'd rather be reading this blog, here are a few things to think about. Mod listings in the Magic City -- nothing really phenomenal right now, but some definite opportunities for those with vision.

This one on 20th Avenue South -- this is in the Diaper Row area, and there is no picture of the front of the house. So it is either really ugly, or fabulously modern -- either one is grounds for the standard B'ham realtor to wave you off and encourage you to look instead at the . . . billiards pit? Well, you just have to see for yourself. The brick paver floor is pretty cool. $247,500:

http://tinyurl.com/1930-20th-ave

This one is in Fultondale, which is just north of B'ham, before you get to Gardendale. $450K is a LOT for Fultondale, but you get this ginormous ranch and something like 4 acres. It's traditional, but I think I see some slate floors in there . . .

http://tinyurl.com/2313-Elkwood

These next two are in that area of Mt. Brook near the Junior High School (prime hunting grounds for MCM). The first one is $335K with a possible owner finance. That's a good deal for that neighborhood. Get you some Brookie swank on the cheap:

http://tinyurl.com/5-Ronnie-Wayne-Circle

This one is more in the standard MB price schedule, but it's huge. "Five new HVAC units" -- I'm not sure I am equipped to handle such a beast, but maybe you are. Check it out (hit the "voice guided tour" button and you'll catch a glimpse of marble floors and what appears to be a slick vintage Poggenpohl kitchen):

http://tinyurl.com/119-Hillsdale

One in Vestavia (thanks Martina for reminding me of this one!). I'm not at all sure what is up with the funkiness on the front, but it looks pretty cool overall. It's a hip mod that has clearly been loved . . . albeit perhaps in a late-night cable kind of way. For $245K, it's a must-see.

http://tinyurl.com/2224-Great-Rock

And back to Anniston. For a mere $119,900 you get this sprawling ranch. I'm thinking it could still be with the original owners:

http://tinyurl.com/355-Brookwood

Happy hunting, and don't do anything crazy in the snow! The last time we had snow, it looked something like this:

But 4-8 inches? In Birmingham? Buy that milk and bread now, mod babies, because you're about to be homebound for a few days.